The National Youth Service Corps says it is prepared to undergo reforms to address emerging challenges in the country and enhance its contribution to national development.
The Director General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. OO Nafiu stated this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 2026 NYSC Annual Management Conference in Jos, Plateau State.
According to Nafiu, the NYSC scheme has matured and is poised to move beyond symbolic nation-building to more direct and measurable contributions.
“The key question we face is no longer about relevance but about deliberate deployment – how this collective energy, skill, and patriotism can be systematically harnessed to address current challenges and create sustainable solutions,” he said.
Nafiu emphasised the need for the scheme to adapt to changing populations, security concerns, and technology.
“Our internal review of the past year has clearly shown that we must embrace change and continuous growth. Management is therefore dedicated to reforms that strengthen systems, enhance service delivery, and align our operations with current realities,” he added.
The Director General encouraged participants to review operations, share experiences, and introduce fresh ideas to enhance performance and impact.
“The NYSC represents a unique pool of human capital within Nigeria, with its substantial numerical strength, consistent yearly intake, and the flexibility of young Nigerians from diverse academic and professional backgrounds,” Nafiu added.
Nafiu expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for their support for the NYSC.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who declared the national conference open, praised the NYSC for its impact on national development.
“The NYSC has grown to assume a strategic role in our national life and in the nation’s stride towards development,” he said.
Mutfwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo, announced the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mangu Local Government Area and the allocation of additional land for agricultural purposes.
“I have directed the addition of several hectares of land to the NYSC camp for agricultural purposes. With the pace of work at the camp, I am confident that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Exercise will hold at the camp,” he said.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was acknowledged for his strategic guidance and passion for the scheme.
Our Correspondent reports that the conference, themed “NYSC as a Catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions,” aims to promote informed discussions and generate actionable ideas to enhance the NYSC’s performance and impact.
NYSC ready for reforms to address new challenges-DG
